London's Burning
London's Burning was a British television drama programme produced by London Weekend Television for the ITV network that focused on the lives of members of the London Fire Brigade, principally those of the Blue Watch at a fictional fire station called Blackwall.
It was broadcast between 1988 and 2002 in the United Kingdom and was shown in Canada on digital television station CBC Country Canada. In the UK, Discovery's entertainment channel, DMAX have also shown repeats of the later series, mainly 11 through 14.
Movie
Jack Rosenthal's original two-hour TV movie, directed by Les Blair, was broadcast on ITV on 7 December 1986. The Bradford City stadium fire was one inspiration for the screenplay. Unlike the final years of the London's Burning TV series, the movie (along with the following early TV series) was a black comedy that also examined serious issues.
The series
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Series 1–3 (1988–1990)
The TV show was a weekly episodic drama that began on 20 February 1988. Paul Knight was the show's producer. Knight appointed writers such as Anita Bronson, David Humphries, Simon Sharkey, and Tony Hoare. Directors included Gerry Poulson, Gerry Mill, John Reardon, Keith Washington, and Alan Wareing. The camera crews had to be committed and cautious when working with fire. Emergencies—or 'shouts'—would not only be fires, but included a range of incidents from cats up trees to major road accidents. Each episode ran for 50 minutes (one hour with advertisement breaks). In the first series (1988), the second series (1989), and the third series (1990), eight episodes were commissioned. These series episodes were mostly filmed at Dockhead fire station, and used actual firefighters working shifts as extras for the programme. A studio near the station was used for crowded mess scenes, but they also used the fire station's actual mess, bay, and watchroom throughout the series.
'Ding Dong Merrily' Christmas special
A Christmas special was transmitted between series 1 and 2 on 25 December 1988, on ITV. The special followed Blue Watch on duty on Christmas Day.
'Stunts and Stars' documentary
A special 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, which originally aired on 8 September 1991, marked the launch of the fourth series.
Series 4 (1991)
In 1991, LWT commissioned 10 episodes for Series 4, which became the most popular series of the drama. Paul Knight had appointed Brian Clark as the Fire Brigade Advisor and, along with the writers and directors, he decided on a climax to the fourth series. The psychological state of one of the main characters deteriorates after being buried alive under a collapsed wall whilst at a spectacular 20-pump warehouse fire. Series 4's climax won the programme its record rating of 18.86 million viewers.[1]
Series 5 (1992)
Each series now included a major disaster or 'shout'. In Series 5 (1992), a spinning wheel ride at a fairground is jammed by a troublesome youth (played by Liam McGuire) armed with a pole. The ride collapses, and there is a huge fire with people trapped in the crushed metal. The series attracted 17 million viewers.
Series 6–9 (1993–1996)
In the early 1990s, the ratings averaged 17–18 million viewers. In 1995 (Series 8), ratings fell to 16 million viewers.
Paul Knight decided it was time for a real shock—a tragic exit for one of the main characters, who had starred in the show for nearly ten years. The man who was to be killed was Sub Officer John Hallam—a dedicated and loyal member of the watch and the London Fire Brigade. Hallam was killed off in 1996 (Series 9) during a huge warehouse fire, where he and his colleague Leading Firefighter Geoff Pearce, were attempting to rescue four teenage girls on an unstable gantry 80 feet (24 m) above a blaze in the basement. Hallam held the gantry steady for Pearce as he walked across with one of the girls. As Hallam attempted to cross, the gantry cracked and Hallam fell to his death. The writers developed a storyline about Pearce feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt after the accident, which would lead to him considering a transfer. Series 9 attracted 16.8 million viewers and is regarded by most as the best series of London's Burning.[1]
Series 10 (1997)
Series 10 was the last series produced by Paul Knight, who went on to produce episodes of The Knock. Although it had the most episodes—eighteen—the series focused on more of the crew's domestic lives than firefighting work. Budget cuts led to scenes being done with computer-generated imagery. Notable 'shouts' included ones at a paint factory and a bus depot.
Series 11–14 (1998–2002)
London's Burning continued on into 1998 with a new producer: David Newcombe. Series 11, 12, and 13 saw the return to firefighting scenes as the primary focus. Series 14 was almost completely based on soap opera-style story lines, with the number of fire 'shouts' severely reduced. Viewing figures drastically slumped. In 2002 London's Burning was cut from the schedule; the final episode was broadcast on 25 August 2002 in a 2 hour slot. The replacement show, Steel River Blues, did not return to make a second series.
'Duty Log' video special
In 2000 a 90-minute behind-the-scenes special was released on VHS video.
Theme music
The London's Burning theme used between Series 1–10 was composed by Simon Brint and Roddy Matthews. Series 11–13 used a theme composed by Warren Bennett (son of The Shadows drummer Brian Bennett); revamped opening titles created by Capital FX were introduced. The theme tune and opening titles were updated again for Series 14. The titles were made to fit the look ITV were giving to shows at the time. The theme was produced by Mcasso.
Characters
Station officers
- Sidney Tate (James Marcus; movie, series 1–3) (also Temporary Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) – Tate was a fatherly figure for the watch. He was married to Nancy and their only child had died years earlier. Having been in the service for many years, he saw himself as old-fashioned and was sometimes at odds with modern regulations. The new ADO, Scase, did not approve of Tate's more pragmatic methods, especially when Tate defied his orders at a 'shout'. Tate was forced to retire from the service at the end of series 3 after failing a routine medical.
- Nick 'Zorba' Georgiadis (Andrew Kazamia; series 4–11) (later ADO) – Nick took over from Tate as Station Officer in Series 4. He got his nickname due to his Greek-Cypriot origins. Nick was a disciplinarian, and was not impressed by some of the watch's lax ways upon his arrival. However, he proved to be very caring and compassionate as he settled into the station, and, like Tate, became something of a father figure to the members of the Watch. Nick's traditionalist family tried to arrange a marriage for him, but he resisted. He had an incestuous affair with his married cousin Ariadne. She died from injuries she incurred in a fall but their unborn son survived. Distraught, Nick initially struggled to cope with her death and his new son. He later met a Dutch firefighter, Marianne, on an exchange trip and after a stop-start romance they eventually moved in together. Nick was promoted to ADO in Series 11, but had some trouble adjusting to the role. He was killed at a cinema fire soon afterwards, when a ceiling collapsed on him.
- Chris Hammond (Jonathan Guy Lewis; series 11–13)
- John Coleman (Edward Peel (Later ADO Coleman); series 12–13)
- Mick Callaghan (Anthony Green; series 14) –
Sub officers
- John Hallam (Sean Blowers; movie, series 1–9) (also Temporary Station Officer Hallam) – John was the uptight and hen-pecked husband of Sandra. His catchphrase, whether spoken genuinely or ironically, was "I'm impressed!" He tried for promotion several times, but was never successful. He drew laughs from the other officers when he accidentally singed his eyebrows after his elderly father-in-law poured too much brandy over the Christmas pudding, and when his friend Duffy rubbed lipstick over his underwear for Sandra to find. He testified against a group of officers at another station for their racial harassment of a black officer, whom they nearly drowned. Hallam was traumatized after being buried alive when a wall collapsed at a 'shout' in series 4, taking many months to recover. Hallam was killed on a 'shout' in series 9 when a gantry collapsed and he fell 80 feet (24 m).
- Carol Webb (Zoe Heyes; series 9–10) – Liverpudlian Carol became the Watch's new Sub Officer in Series 9, having previously worked as a Health and Safety official. She was married to Martin, another firefighter, who had had to retire from the brigade after being run over by a car whilst drunk. She was attracted to both Firefighter Jack Morgan and ADO Patrick Davis, and had a brief relationship with the latter, but she left him when she found out he was already married. In the final episode of Series 10, she was told she could remain in Blackwall as Sub Officer. However, the character did not appear again from Series 11 onwards, and no explanation was provided.
Leading firefighters
- Malcolm Cross (Rupert Baker; movie, series 1–5) – Public school-educated and articulate, Malcolm was often the instigator of pranks at the station. In the movie, he was married to Betty, who attended gatherings of the Watch's wives and husbands, but this marriage was never referred to when the series began. He struck up a relationship with Samina during an inspection of a clothing factory, impressing her by speaking Punjabi, and was devastated when she was killed in a fire. Malcolm blamed himself for Roland Cartwright's death, since he had ordered him to use his breathing apparatus in an underwater rescue, even though it was unsuitable for such use. Malcolm received a commendation for bravery in series 3 after rescuing a man who had been buried alive at a building site. He took on Helen as a flatmate in series 4, and they eventually began a relationship. He left during series 5 to go to Brussels with her.
- Geoff 'Poison' Pearce (Michael Garner; series 6–14) – Pearce joined Blue Watch as Leading Firefighter in series 6 following Malcolm's departure. He had previously been a Sub Officer in Bristol, but took a temporary demotion to join the London Fire Brigade. He was nicknamed Poison, for his habit of spreading malicious gossip and rumours around the station. He was noted for his incessant grovelling towards senior officers by offering them cups of tea, and for his irritating catchphrase "Chop-chop!" when giving orders to the other watch members. He was married to Patti, but they divorced when she had an affair. He later met Fiona, eventually marrying her and having a daughter. Pearce was wracked with guilt after Hallam's death and considered requesting a transfer, but he stayed and was promoted back to Sub Officer by the start of Series 11. His behaviour drastically changed from Series 12 onwards, where he was a lot friendlier to the watch and earned a lot more respect.
- Dan Barratt (Brad Gorton; series 11–12) (Also Temporary Sub Officer Barratt)
- Rob 'Hyper' Sharpe (Connor Byrne; series 12–13)
Firefighters
- Leslie 'Charisma' Appleby (Gerard Horan; movie, series 1–2 and 7) – Nicknamed "Charisma" because he had none, he was a bore who lived in an imaginary world, claiming to be an accomplished sportsman with lots of friends. Charisma never knew his father, and had grown up believing his real mother was actually his sister. He had a romance with Donna, but couldn't force her to leave his house when they split, due to her technically being his common law wife. When his mother visited from Australia, she forcibly evicted Donna. Charisma left Blackwall in series 2 and briefly returned in series 7.
- Kenny 'Rambo' Bains (Jerome Flynn; movie) – Musclebound and often seen working out in the gym, Baines was among those who did not take kindly to Josie joining the watch. He was married to Carol, who attended gatherings of the Watch's wives. He had left Blackwall for unknown reasons by the time of the first series.
- Roland 'Vaseline' Cartwright (Mark Arden; movie, series 1–2) – A brash male chauvinist with three wives (each named Marion) and a string of mistresses, none of whom could ever find him, as he was often moonlighting. In the movie Vaseline was portrayed as racist and sexist, particularly towards Ethnic and Josie respectively, but these traits by diluted during the series. He had a son with the third Marion, and found a softer side when he was forced to babysit him. Vaseline drowned when his breathing apparatus malfunctioned underwater whilst rescuing the occupants of a van which had fallen into a river.
- Josie Ingham (Katharine Rogers; movie, series 1–4) – Josie was the first woman to join Blue Watch, and was initially shunned by the male members. She eventually won their respect and became particularly close to Bayleaf. They slept together, and though she regretted having done so, she was envious when Bayleaf began dating Clare. Josie was nearly raped by a man she met at an evening class, but managed to fight him off. When she later spotted him in a shop, she caused a scene until he was arrested. Josie was promoted to Leading Firefighter in series 3 and transferred to Charlton. She made a final appearance in the series when she met up with Blue Watch again at the twenty-pump fire which closed series 4.
- Andreas 'Ethnic' Lewis (Gary McDonald; movie) – Known as "Ethnic" due to being black, he lived on a rough council estate and as such had to keep his job secret. He was promoted to Leading Fireman at Archway station, but was killed before he could take the post when rioters on his estate threw a paving slab at him after he intervened to help Charisma.
- Bert 'Sicknote' Quigley (Richard Walsh; movie, series 1–12) – A chronic hypochondriac, Sicknote was often complaining about his health, from ulcers to headaches. With ambitions to be a professional actor or singer, he was often in stage productions with his wife Jean, which the other members of the watch grudgingly attended. He was a social activist, attempting to introduce a smoking ban and healthier food to Blackwall. He was elected as a local councillor. He received his twenty-year service medal in Series 9, although he pessimistically regarded this as a confirmation of old age. Sicknote was killed in an explosion at a Chinese fireworks factory in Series 12. He was the last remaining character in the series from the pilot movie.
- Mike 'Bayleaf' Wilson (James Hazeldine; movie, series 1–9) – Bayleaf was mess manager and a popular long-term member of Blue Watch, receiving his twenty year service medal in series 3. Separated from his wife, with whom he had a daughter, Melanie, he had a brief romance with Josie in series 1 and later met Clare, who he eventually married. He was knocked unconscious when a wall collapsed and left him buried at the twenty-pump 'shout' in series 4. In series 6, Bayleaf crashed the appliance into a car, leaving a passenger badly injured. He subsequently suffered nightmares and received death threats, but was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing. Bayleaf left the brigade in series 8 to open a restaurant with Clare. He returned in series 9 for Hallam's funeral.
- George Green (Glen Murphy; series 1–14) – George joined Blue Watch at the start of series 1. He was the longest-serving character on the show, appearing in every episode besides the pilot movie. George was an unsubtle former boxer, sometimes with a short temper, and had old-fashioned views of women's roles in life. He dated Julia after convincing her that he was a talented poet and singer, with help from Malcolm and Sicknote, but she dumped him because he never trusted her. In series 3 he met Kelly at a ballroom dancing class. They married and had two children, although he frequently bickered with her mother and brothers. George received his twenty-year service medal in Series 12. He and Kelly divorced when she had an affair, and he married Andie in series 14.
- Kevin Medhurst (Ross Boatman; series 1–8) – Kevin joined in series 1 and became a close friend of George. Kevin occasionally had problems with authority – his propensity to answer back or question orders led to him falling afoul of his superiors. He clashed with Nick Georgiadis several times; when Kevin drunkenly insulted Nick at his birthday party, Nick punched him. Kevin was from a troubled family – his father was in prison (once turning up at Blackwall after escaping). Kevin's younger brother Micky caused him problems by making hoax calls to the station, and was later sent to prison. Micky returned in series 8, turning up at Kevin's houseboat and attacking Maggie at the station, after which Kevin disowned him for good. Kevin briefly dated Sally Reid, Vaseline's widow Marion, and Remy, who moved in to his marina with her houseboat. After Remy left him without warning, a heartbroken Kevin packed his bags and left Blackwall.
- Tony Sanderson (Treva Etienne; series 1–3) – Tony was married to Dorothy, but the marriage had numerous problems, many caused by her being a shopaholic and the fact that it was an interracial marriage. Dorothy left him during series 3. Tony subsequently met Jenny and left Blackwall after series 3 to run a boutique with her.
- Colin Parrish (Stephen North; series 3–6) – Colin was the nephew of Fireman Jaffa Parrish and joined the watch as a probationary officer. His naivete and inexperience often made him the butt of pranks and jokes by other members of the watch. He took a liking to Firewoman Kate Stevens and visited her at her house, but was warned by Hallam to stop bothering her. After Colin sent the pump to the wrong address on a 'shout' (which was fortunately a hoax), Hallam extended Colin's probationary period, much to the ire of Colin's mum. Colin became a hero for the first time soon after this, when he saved another firefighter from falling down a lift shaft at a hotel fire. He graduated to full status early in Series 5. He married Zoe, whom he met during a 'shout', despite her walking out on him after he took her to a football match on their first date. Colin was forced to leave the watch after his legs were crushed in Series 6.
- Kate Stevens (Samantha Beckinsale; series 3–5) – Bright and bubbly, Kate joined the watch as a probationary firefighter and she soon fitted in after rescuing a baby from a burning car. She met a volunteer fireman while the watch were on standby in Kent, but soon ditched him when it emerged his favourite pastime was rock climbing. Kate became a full-status firefighter in Series 4, which left Colin Parrish feeling bitter, since Hallam had extended his probationary period. During series 5 Kate met police officer John, and got pregnant after a one night stand. She miscarried and transferred to Wimbledon so she could be closer to John.
- Stuart 'Recall' MacKenzie (Ben Onwukwe; series 4–14) – Known as "Recall" due to having a photographic memory, he joined Blue Watch midway through series 4. He was married to Laura and had two sons, one of whom suffered from cystic fibrosis. Blue Watch held a fundraiser so he could take his family to Disney World, Florida. He was injured in the climax 'shout' of Series 4, and also in the Series 9 warehouse blaze where John Hallam was killed, but had lucky escapes on both occasions. Recall almost faced dismissal when he refused to shave off his beard, but the watch tied him up and shaved it off for him. He was elected as Blackwall's union rep in series 9. Recall was dismissed in series 12 after allegedly assaulting a hotel manager, but he was later cleared and reinstated. He and Laura separated after he refused to move to Scotland with her and the children. He later met Elaine; they were due to marry, but Recall died of a heart attack the day before the wedding.
- Billy Ray (John Alford; series 6–10) – Billy joined London's Burning in Series 6, along with Geoff Pearce, who he was often at odds with. Billy was noted for his tendency to answer back to those higher rank than him, and was often teased about his short height. He persuaded George to take up boxing again, with him as his trainer. Billy took over from Bayleaf as mess manager. He had a girlfriend named Lauren who he met at a fire inspection in a strip club. Billy left in Series 10 after getting very angry when he found an abandoned baby in a toilet at a school (where a hoax call was initially made).
- Sally Reid (Sara Powell; series 6–7) – Sally was the watch's first female driver. She was very athletic and a strong swimmer. Her boyfriend, Eddie, was a drug dealer. She refused to continue their relationship, as her association with him led to her flat being raided by the police. She briefly got together with Kevin Medhurst, but they couldn't make it last. Sally left Blackwall to take care of her sick father.
- Jack Morgan (Clive Wood; series 9-11) – At first Jack appeared taciturn and mysterious; rumours about his past abounded. It turned out that Jack had had a tragic experience at a previous station, when a colleague died after his BA cylinder ran out. Jack's testimony at the subsequent inquiry led to his station officer being dismissed. This made Jack sensitive to dangers and willing to abandon his duties in order to save a colleague. His previous career in the navy had also seen a tragedy, and after Hallam's death it led to him cruelly being nicknamed Jonah by some officers, including Pitbull. Jack had been married to Linda, with whom he had a son named Stephen, but they had since divorced and Linda remarried. As the series progressed Jack showed a more malevolent side and enjoyed winding up other watch members, which led to him and Recall coming to blows.
- Chris 'Skippy' Newman (Brad Clayton; series 9) Skippy joined Blue Watch in Series 9 as Kevin's replacement. He was born in Perth, Australia and as such was given the nickname 'Skippy' after Blue Watch held a raffle to decide his nickname. Good natured and likeable, he helped talk down a young woman who was threatening to jump off a building. The next day, she turned up at Blackwall and gave him her phone number. He became friends with Billy Ray and took Billy in when he was beaten up. Skippy left the brigade after the appliance crash in Series 9's final episode.
- Gregg Blake (Steven Houghton; series 10) – Gregg hailed from Sheffield, and was a replacement for Skippy after the Watch's road accident in Series 9. He was an excellent singer and guitarist, and was very successful at a local talent night with his rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings". He started going out with Tiggy, whom he met during a 'shout' at an art gallery, and who turned out to be the daughter of an MP. While on standby at Upham Fire Station, Gregg accidentally set fire to the station by unknowingly putting a faulty circuit breaker back in place. He eventually owned up when the watch were challenged about it, but before anything could happen to him, he decided to leave the brigade. This decision came after he was injured in an explosion at a bus depot fire. Tiggy sat at his bedside in hospital and told him she couldn't bear to be with a man who one day might not make it back from work. Gregg thought quickly, and chose his girl over his job.
- Sally 'Gracie' Fields (Heather Peace; series 11–14) – Sally joined Blue Watch in Series 11. She was late for work on her first day, which landed her a reprimand from Temporary Station Officer Pearce.
- Joe Walker (Jim Alexander; series 11–12) – Joe joined Blue Watch at the beginning of series 11, along with Dan Barratt and Sally Fields. He was attracted to Sally, and was jealous when she started going out with Dan. However, Sally and Dan split up, and she began a rocky relationship with Joe. He proved to be something of a homophobe when Hyper revealed, in Series 12, that he was gay. He proposed to Sally near the end of Series 12, and she accepted his proposal on a 'shout', just as they were about to re-enter a blazing Chinese fireworks factory. Moments later, an explosion ripped through the building, killing Joe instantly.
- Ronnie 'Hi-Ho' Silver (Fuman Dar; series 12–13) Hi-Ho was initially a firefighter at Shadbrook Fire Station, where he crewed their Turntable Ladder appliance. During Series 12, while this station received renovation work, he worked on standby at Blackwall along with Carman, the leading firefighter on his Watch. Hi-Ho joined Blue Watch permanently in Series 13, following the deaths of Joe Walker and Sicknote. He was frequently noted for his cheeky, mischievous humour. Hi-Ho was left devastated in Series 13, when he tried to rescue a girl from a flat fire and she died from her injuries. He considered resigning from the Brigade, but Geoff Pearce found a way to change his mind. Pearce took Hi-Ho to a cemetery, where a huge plaque, dedicated to the London Fire Brigade, listed the names of many firefighters who had given their lives for their jobs. They also examined newer graves, which provided close-to-home examples of such bravery – the graves of Joe, Sicknote, and the never-forgotten Sub Officer John Hallam. Hi-Ho realised how many firefighters in the Brigade would rather die than run away from pressure and tragedy, and he quickly withdrew his decision to resign. However, he had left Blackwall for unexplained reasons by the beginning of Series 14.
- Adam Benjamin (Sam Callis; series 13–14) Adam joined Blue Watch in Series 13 as Sicknote's replacement. Already a veteran firefighter, he started out as Temporary Crew Commander, although this position was later handed to Sally Fields. Adam was very much a ladies' man – a trait which backfired on him in Series 14 after a girl he met in the pub drugged his drink and stole his wallet. He worked with Elaine Reeve in the Oliver Twist pub, later becoming a joint landlord with her. Elaine confessed that she was actually Adam's mother, and this led to complications in Adam's relationship with Recall, who had begun dating Elaine.
- Charlie Mead (Terry Alderton; series 14)
- Frank Mooney (Tristan Gemmill; series 14)
- Craig Ross (Leon Black; series 14) Craig arrived as Recall's replacement in Series 14, and immediately was subjected to pranks from the rest of the Watch. The reality of the job hit him hard when he discovered his first dead body during a flat fire. He continued to have visions of the victim after the 'shout', which led to him crashing his car and ending up in hospital.
- Vernon 'Clingfilm' Chivers (Chris Larner; series 8-11) Clingfilm worked at Borough Street Fire Station, first appearing in Series 8. He was never a permanent member of Blue Watch, but frequently stood in for absent Watch members. He was something of a loner who lived in his camper van on his driveway. Though essentially harmless, he was a bore whose nasally voice and nerdish demeanour made him a considerable irritant to those around him. He struck up an unlikely friendship with Geoff Pearce, who like Clingfilm struggled to fit in with the watch. After his camper van caught fire, he moved in with Recall, to the latter's chagrin.
Other guest senior officers
- Assistant Chief Officer William Bulstrode (1989–1994) – Bulstrode was an archetypal Fire Officer who, like Station Officer Tate, saw himself as a "dinosaur" of the London Fire Brigade.
- Assistant Chief Officer Baxter (1995–1998)
- Divisional Officer Eddie Quinn (1995–1996)
- Divisional Officer Tom Chapman (1996–2001) (Later Senior Divisional Officer Chapman and also Temporary ACO Chapman)
- Divisional Officer Griggs (2000–2001)
- Assistant Divisional Officer Scase (1989, 1994–1995) (Later Divisional Officer Scase) – Scase became Station Commander at Blackwall in series 2, having transferred from the North of England. He was highly unpleasant and abrasive, and his efforts to stamp discipline into the Watch made him unpopular. On a 'shout' at the Thames, Scase insisted on first making the area safe by having some loose scaffolding lashed, disregarding the fact that several trapped men would soon be drowned by the incoming tide. Tate finally lost his temper with the obnoxious Station Commander and took charge of the rescue himself, but not before angrily accusing Scase of being "inept" and "high and mighty". Scase reported Tate to HQ for insubordination. Tate received a harsh reprimand for his actions from ACO Bulstrode, but Bulstrode secretly agreed with Tate's perspective, and eventually had Scase transferred away from Blackwall. Scase returned in Series 7 as a Divisional Officer, using every excuse to make trouble for Blue Watch. His attitude only earned him a telling-off from new ACO Baxter, who believed Scase's methods were as out-of-date as Scase had believed Tate and Bulstrode to be. The character did not appear again after this episode.
- Assistant Divisional Officer Patrick Davies (1997–1998)
Other recurring characters
- Marion Cartwright (Helen Blizzard, 1986–1992) – Marion was Vaseline's third wife (and also the third named Marion), who married him in the movie. She frequently fought with Vaseline over his moonlighting and womanizing, and was left to raise their son on her own after he was killed on a 'shout'. She later had relationships with Kevin Medhurst and Technique, but eventually decided she wanted to be get away from the brigade completely.
- Raymond 'Pitbull' Derby – (Al Ashton, 1995–2001) – Pitbull was transferred to Red Watch, Blackwall, from Borough Street in Series 8 as Jaffa's replacement after he failed his medical. He was a loud-mouthed serial bully, always making fun of other people's bad luck. He sometimes referred to Blue Watch as 'girls' or 'sisters'. He wanted to be Union Rep in Series 9, but lost out to Recall by one vote. He showed a rare streak of compassion for Sally Fields in Series 13 after the Red Watch Sub Officer, Sean Bateman, raped her at her flat.
- Donna (Paddy Navin, 1988–1989)
- Kelly Green (Vanessa Pett, 1990–2001)
- Sandra Hallam (Kim Clifford, 1986–1997)
- Gary 'Technique' Pagnall (Craig Fairbrass, 1991–1992)
- Jaffa Parrish (Alan Talbot, 1989–2000) – Jaffa was a member of Red Watch at Blackwall, and the uncle of Colin Parrish. Jaffa had to leave the brigade in Series 7 after being injured on a 'shout' to a propane cylinder storage yard. He was with Blue Watch, standing in for George, and was in the pump when it was hit by a gas cylinder, badly burning him. Though he recovered, he was eventually taken off duty due to the trauma he had suffered. George felt guilty over the accident, but Jaffa dismissed his worries. He later took over as landlord of the Watch's favourite pub.
- Fiona Pearce (Helen Anderson, 1998–2002) – Fiona made her first appearance in Series 10 to test a new siren on Blackwall's pump ladder. Geoff Pearce made friends with her and their relationship grew. They married in Series 12 and had a baby daughter named Eve in Series 13.
- Jean Quigley (Amanda Dickinson, 1986–2000) – Jean was the long-suffering wife of pompous hypochondriac Bert "Sicknote" Quigley. Bert moved out of their house in Series 2, as he believed Jean was having an affair with Dominic, a member of their amateur dramatics group who outstripped Bert both in looks and talents. Bert was later in trouble with Jean for supposedly having an affair with another group member, Cynthia. On both occasions, they patched things up successfully. Jean became pregnant in Series 11, but had a miscarriage. To compensate for their grief, Bert suggested they should try fostering a child, which they did in Series 12.*
- Dorothy Sanderson (Carol Harrison, 1988–1989) – Dorothy was married to Tony Sanderson. She was a persistent shopaholic, and Tony was frequently horrified at the amounts of useless shopping she would bring home.
- Nancy Tate (Yvonne Edgell, 1986–1990)
- Maggie Warboice (Shirley Greenwood, 1986–2001)
- Clare Wilson (Valerie Holliman, 1988–1996)
- Marieanne Frankel (Minna Aaltonen, 1996–1998)
- Linda (Sian Radinger, 1996–98)
- Elaine Reeve (Sharon Duce, 2001–02)
- Nicky Parrish (Katy Stephens, 1997–98)
- Melissa Clark (Katy Odey, 2001)
- Yvonne Bradley (Jane Hazlegrove, 1998)
- Martin Webb (Peter McNamara, 1997)
- Patti Pearce (Yvonne O'Grady, 1993–1996)
- Jacqui Parker (Sharon Gavin, 1998–2000)
Locations
The earlier series used Dockhead Fire Station at 8 Wolseley Street, London SE1, as the exterior for Blackwall. The Jacob Street studio is opposite, housing a full scale reproduction of the mess, built by Colin Monk. The actual station mess was also used in the series, as were many other parts of the station and its actual firefighters.
Dockhead is still an operational fire station, but is due to be demolished by the London Fire Brigade to allow its redevelopment and modernisation; a planning application was due to be submitted during 2008.[2] The exterior can be clearly seen and has changed little since filming. The Swan and Sugar Loaf pub, which featured as the firefighters' local, has since been converted to flats. The location is about 800 metres from Tower Bridge.
The Restaurant opened by Mike 'Bayleaf' Wilson in series 9 was filmed on location at The Chequers Inn, Deal, Kent.
Later series used the exterior of Leyton Fire Station and the Oliver Twist pub opposite.
DVD release
The series 1–7 DVD set was released in 2009, and the series 8–14 set was released in 2010.[3] Series 1
References
- ^ a b Source: British Film Institute
- ^ London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, PFI Property Project Progress Report, 14 January 2008
- ^ "Film & TV: London's Burning". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_16?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=london%27s+burning&x=0&y=0&sprefix=london%27s+burning. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
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